Author: Express News Service
Publication: The New Indian Express
Date: February 5, 2009
URL: http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Hindu+outfits++to+showcase+service+projects&artid=HXAAZ9esH%7C4=&
Nearly 40 Hindu organisations will showcase
their activities at the 'Hindu Spiritual and Service Fair 2009', in the city
for three days, starting Friday.
The Chennai chapter of the Global Foundation
for Civilisational Harmony (GFCH), an umbrella organisation of Eastern religions,
is organising the exhibition and book fair. Swami Mitrananda, international
president of Chinmaya Yuva Kendra and organising secretary of the GFCH exhibition,
says, "The aim of GFCH is to develop a dialogue between various cultures
and faiths. According to the GFCH, all faiths are valid and all civilisations
are needed to keep the earth colorful."
The exhibition and highlight the service work
done by the participating organisations. "Hinduism is widely perceived
to be just a ritualistic and spiritual religion. People don't realise how
much Hindus serve the society. This fair will enable people to see how the
faith is serving the country. In fact, these organisations themselves are
not aware of their own reach," says Mitrananda.
To be held at the Jaigopal Garodia Vivekananda
Vidyalaya at Anna Nagar, the fair will also showcase cultural programmes by
the organisations from 6pm to 8pm on all the three days.
Apart from serving as a platform for organisations
to exchange ideas on best practices and success stories, which can be adapted
by other organisations, it will also enable followers of each organisation
to appreciate the activities of other organisations. According to Mitrananda,
"Followers of Ramakrishna Mission do not know what the Art of Living
is doing. The fair will generate greater mutual respect and admiration."
For those who do not belong to any organisation,
the fair will be a spiritual retreat that will offer a plethora of choices.
"The lay public can choose from among the variety of organisations present
there. For example, someone who is intellectually inclined can choose the
Chinmaya mission. Each one can choose an organisation according to their inclinations,"
says Mitrananda.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati will inaugurate the
exhibition at 2.55pm on Friday. Similar events will be held in future for
Buddhist, Jain, Muslim and Christian organisations by the GFCH.
